Castle Potensac - Médoc 2012

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe10/28/2016

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Potensac surpassed my expectations from barrel, because as I stated back then, it has developed more flesh to counterbalance those prenatal hard tannins. It has an attractive if unspectacular raspberry, strawberry and tobacco-scented bouquet, quite closed at first, opaque, but opening with several minutes in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe blackberry fruit laced with tobacco and sea salt. I appreciate the finish here. There is satisfying substance, a gentle grip and a classic pencil lead, almost Pauillac-like finish. Enjoy this upstanding Médoc from Jean-Hubert Delon over the next 10-12 years. Tasted January 2016.

Wine Advocate

86 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

From the Delon family, owners of Leoville Las Cases in Saint Julien and Nénin in Pomerol, this is usually a reliable wine. It has good minerality, deep blackcurrant and cherry fruit, medium body and a nice, spicy, earthy mouthfeel. The finish is quite good, and the wine capable of lasting up to a decade.

Jamessuckling.com

89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

A silky and refined Potensac and very well done for the vintage. Medium body, fine tannins and crisp acidity. Lots of citrus and raspberry character. Drink or hold.

timatkin.com

92 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe6/30/2013

A Médoc red that has outperformed its lowly appellation, as it nearly always does, this is a serious claret, albeit one showing more Merlot than usual. Very perfumed, with sweet, toasty oak, some liquorice and cassis and a long finish. The tannins are a little firm, but should soften in bottle. Drink: 2018-28

Le Point

15 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013

Nez fruits rouges, bouche fraîche, tendue, serrée mais avec des notes réglissées, rugueux en finale. O= 2016 G= 8 ans.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/3/2013

The 2012 Potensac is a blend of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc cropped 44hl/ha and raised in one-third new oak. It has a lifted, quite floral bouquet with subtle seaweed notes infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a tough, slightly brutish entry. There is good structure here and certainly very crisp, citric acidity, but it needs to develop more flesh on the finish. Tasted April 2013

Wine Spectator

87-90 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

Features fresh-cut plum and crushed blackberry fruit married to a sleek iron edge and a hint of lightly singed vanilla bean on the finish. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

17 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013

The Wine Cellar Insider

87-89 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Dominated by Merlot at 48% of the blend, followed by 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.47% alcohol and will aged in 33% new French oak. With dark color, the wine opens with herbs, cedar wood, wild strawberry and pepper. Full bodied, dense, tannic and strict, this powerful wine is packed with kirsch, cassis and acidity. It is going to need time to come together. 87-89 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

17 / 20

the4/25/2013

Réussite exceptionnelle : grande matière, tannin noble, rarement le cru aura atteint une telle harmonie, la garde est garantie.

Decanter.com

16 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/22/2013

Dense cassis fruit, depth and grip, some greenness needs to smooth out. 16/20pts ( 86/100pts)
Drink: 2016 - 2022

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/17/2013

Drink 2018-2030
Dark and glossy. Quite rich – richer than you would expect for the property and vintage. Pretty severe. Over ambitious.

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

Very good and clean fruit with currants and minerals and hints of flowers. Medium body with fine tannins and a pretty finish.